SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS REVIEWS

Shen Yun Strengthens Theatergoer’s Faith in God

SHARE
Shen Yun Strengthens Theatergoer’s Faith in God
Anna and Jacob Maats, and their son, Chris Maats, at the Shen Yun Performing Arts performance at Stadthalle Mülheim an der Ruhr – Theatersaal on March 7, 2026. Wu Ling/The Epoch Times
Epoch Newsroom
Updated:

MÜLHEIM AN DER RUHR, Germany—Jacob Maats, Anna Maats, and their son, Chris Maats, saw Shen Yun Performing Arts on March 7 at the Stadthalle Mülheim an der Ruhr – Theatersaal.

After the performance, Mr. Maats felt his faith in God strengthened.

“This proves we are on the right path,” said Mr. Maats, owner of a clinic.

Shen Yun is based in New York, and its artists are trained in classical Chinese dance, one of the most comprehensive dance systems in the world.

“I found the movements incredibly beautiful—so dynamic and full of vitality. This resonates with my profession,” Mr. Maats said.

He sensed that dance “also connects deeply with the inner self,” noting that “the movements carry emotional depth and radiate energy.”

Shen Yun’s website states that Classical Chinese dance training includes three main components—technical skill, form, and bearing, which is one of the many ways that Classical Chinese dance is different from ballet.
“It was excellent! From the stage colors and precision to the graceful dancing. The stories were also very moving,” praised Mrs. Maats, a musician.

“Every single program was beautiful, without exception. Of course, ‘Water Sleeves’ and ‘Women’s Classical Dance’ were fantastic,” she added.

The Shen Yun Orchestra, which tours with Shen Yun, is a unique combination of traditional Chinese instruments and a classic Western ensemble.

“I don’t know how many musicians were in the pit, but the sound was incredibly rich and beautiful,” Mrs. Maats said.

One instrument that shone under the spotlight was the two-stringed erhu.

“Music opens hearts and lets souls soar freely. I think the piano player in Shen Yun is exceptional. And the erhu—its sound is truly exquisite. It’s a beautiful instrument,” Mrs. Maats said.

Learning that Shen Yun operates eight touring companies worldwide, Maats remarked, “That’s good news; receiving such widespread support is a positive thing.” After experiencing Shen Yun, he developed an interest in the spiritual messages conveyed in the performance.

Reporting by Wu Ling and Maria Han.
The Epoch Times is a proud sponsor of Shen Yun Performing Arts. We have covered audience reactions since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006.
SHARE

Editor's Picks

See More